'Dolphins Measles' Epidemic Kills Over 700 Dolphins On Florida Coast

25 Nov 2013

WKMG: DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla.: Two more dolphins washed ashore Monday on Daytona Beach Shores, marking at least the fourth such death over the last several days. The 8-foot dolphin was found around 6:30 a.m., according to the Volusia Beach Patrol. A second dolphin was also found washed ashore in Ormond Beach but no other details were known. Experts from Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute took samples of the animal to determine its cause of death. It’s at least the fourth dolphin death in Volusia County since late last week after two dolphins washed ashore on Ormond Beach — one on Thursday and one on Saturday. One of the dolphins was euthanized after it was likely sickened by a virus and attacked by a shark, officials said. Last week, officials told Local 6 that a veterinarian was testing the dolphins for morbillivirus, an epidemic that has killed more than 700 dolphins all along the East Coast since June.